Master's Programme in Materials Research is responsible for the course.

Module where the course belongs to:

• MATR300 Advanced Studies in Materials Research
  Optional for:
  
  1. Study Track in Polymer Materials Chemistry

The course is available to students from other degree programmes.

Bachelor degree on physics, chemistry, materials sciences, pharmacy or medicine.

After the course, the student

• has an overview how polymer materials are employed in medical applications
• can interrelate polymer properties with desired actions in medical applications
• can solve problems related to the use of polymers in medical applications
• can identify the consequences of decisions and plans regarding the development of functional materials to resolve medical problems
• can deliver presentations and discuss current research topics in the field of polymers in medicine from different perspectives

Recommended for Master degree students but also possible for later stages of studies.

Course is given every year in the spring term during period 3.

The course gives an overview how polymers are applied and how their unique features are utilized in medical applications. Specific medical fields are highlighted including the use of polymers in well-established applications but also in future applications. Through assignments to critically review selected primary research articles and share their assessment in form of an oral presentation, students will deepen their knowledge and develop their skill to dissect and critical bring up new ways of employing polymeric platforms to medical applications.

Recommended book is Biomaterials Science: An Introduction to Materials in Medicine, Eds. Ratner, Hoffman Schoen, Lemons, Academic Press, 2004 or 2013, available at Viiki Campus library or as e-book.

Lecture and peer feedback to the groups in the middle of the course, poster exhibitions, discussions on selected topics between teachers and students, expert visits.

The course includes contact lectures where the teachers or invited lecturers provide knowledge and insight to the topics related to the group work as well as student presentations of primary research articles, which are critically discussed by the group and moderated by the lecturer.

Assessments are presentation of the research article review to the group (30%) and final exam (70%).

Grades: 0=fail, 1=poor, 2=satisfying, 3=good, 4= very good, 5=excellent

The course includes contact lecturing, individual work and group discussions. The contact lecturing will be given by the teacher, possibly some invited lecturers and video presentations. Final exam on the content of lectures and student oral presentations (70%) and individual oral presentation of a critical review of assigned primary research articles (30%).

Robert Luxenhofer